Following the exciting premieres in October, the end of Fall and into Winter 2021’s movie schedule is stacked with films releasing in theaters and on streaming platforms. With vaccination rates increasing around the world, moviegoing has approached a somewhat more normal experience throughout Fall 2021 and into December. With box-office rates also slowly climbing again, long-awaited movies continuously delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic are finally being released to the public in November and December 2021.
The movie release slate for Fall 2021 saw an unprecedented release schedule for blockbusters and critically-acclaimed films, with many still seeing day-and-date dual theatrical and streaming releases. September, October, and early November featured the debuts of movies like No Time To Die, Dune, The French Dispatch, Last Night in Soho, The Harder They Fall, and Red Notice, among plenty of other exciting films. Considering moviegoing numbers are expected to increase over upcoming months, it’s unclear whether studios will still choose to premiere films simultaneously in theaters and online once Winter 2022 approaches.
While some of the biggest films of 2021 have already been released, audiences will have no shortage of highly anticipated and mind-blowing films in November and December. From exclusive theatrical releases to streaming-only premieres or simultaneous theatrical and streaming debuts, the remaining months of Fall and Winter 2021 only grow in momentum for long-awaited movies finally making their way to the big and small screens.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife - Nov. 19 (Theaters)
Still yet to release in theaters in the US is Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the third movie in the original Ghostbusters movie series. Directed by Jason Reitman, son of original director Ivan Reitman, Ghostbusters: Afterlife takes place thirty years after Ghostbusters 2. Starring Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Paul Rudd, and Carrie Coon, two teenagers and their mother move to Oklahoma only to discover the legacy of their grandfather and personal connection to the original Ghostbusters team. The movie has been subject to a few special screenings beforehand, but its official theatrical release date is November 19.
King Richard - Nov. 19 (HBO Max & Theaters)
Will Smith is certainly making his run at an Oscar in the King Richard biopic, where he stars in the titular role as Richard Williams, father and coach to tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams. The film charts the girls' rise to success and the role that Richard Williams played in getting them to that position of incredible success. King Richard will be released simultaneously on HBO Max and in theaters on November 19.
C’mon C’mon - Nov 19. (Theaters)
The A24 film C’mon C’mon, starring Joker’s Joaquin Phoenix, is a black-and-white drama telling the story of a radio journalist who must take care of his nephew on a cross-country journey. The critically acclaimed indie movie will be released in theaters on November 19.
Boiling Point - Nov. 19 (Theaters & VOD)
Starring Stephen Graham and Vinette Robinson, Boiling Point follows head chef Andy Jones and his kitchen on the busiest nights for restaurants in London. Along with plenty of personal crises from the staff, a health and safety inspector makes a surprise visit to bring the kitchen’s tension to its highest point. The movie is set to premiere theatrically on November 19, with a VOD streaming release on November 23.
Procession - Nov. 19 (Netflix)
Netflix’s grueling and powerful documentary film Procession will drop on the streaming service on November 19. The Fall 2021 Netflix documentary follows six men who were abused by Catholic clergy as boys, bringing their stories to light and finding empowerment by crafting short films based on their trauma. Each survivor supports one another as they revisit their traumatic experiences in Kansas City, Missouri, collaboratively reliving the horrible moments through drama therapy and battling for justice.
The Feast - Nov. 19 (Theaters & VOD)
The Feast is a Welsh horror fantasy movie depicting a terrifying evening in which a wealthy family gathers with guests for a dinner in the Welsh mountains. A strange woman arrives at the dinner claiming to be their waitress for the night, only for the family’s demeanor and livelihoods to be questioned as the waitress’s presence changes them, leading to a mysterious string of murders. The Feast will have a day-and-date limited theatrical and VOD streaming release on November 19.
Zeros And Ones (Theaters & VOD)
Acclaimed drama and horror actor Ethan Hawke stars in the Italian-American thriller Zeros and Ones, which follows a deadly night in Rome when a soldier is called to stop an impending terrorist bombing. Needing to contact his imprisoned brother who holds secrets to the bombing, J.J. (Hawke) must desperately try to save the Vatican before the attack commences. Zeros and Ones will be released in theaters and available for VOD streaming on November 19.
House of Gucci - Nov. 24 (Theaters)
The highly anticipated Ridley Scott biopic crime drama, House of Gucci, will premiere in theaters on November 24. The film stars Adam Driver, Lady Gaga, Al Pacino, and Jared Leto as the famous luxury label Gucci family, following Patrizia Reggiani (Gaga) as she marries Maurizio Gucci (movie star Adam Driver) and works to become a true force in the dynasty. House of Gucci has already received generally positive acclaim from critics, particularly praising the acting performances.
Bruised - Nov. 24 (Netflix)
Bruised has held off its release for over a year, having premiered internationally in September 2020. The film is Halle Berry’s directorial debut, following an aging MMA fighter who agrees to fight the top female MMA fighter years after walking away from her career. Bruised will be released for streaming on Netflix on November 24.
Drive My Car - Nov. 24 (Theaters)
At nearly 3 hours long, Drive My Car is an intense epic look at a Japanese director and actor who is hired to helm a high-profile production two years after his wife’s untimely death. Directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, the movie has been available in Japan since August, finally making its US debut in theaters on November 24.
8-Bit Christmas - Nov. 24 (HBO Max)
The November HBO Max movie 8-Bit Christmas follows John Doyle, a young boy in the 1980s who devises to get the Nintendo Entertainment System before anyone else. Patrick Harris plays adult John Doyle while Winslow Fegley plays John in the ‘80s. As an HBO Max original, subscribers don’t need to worry about the movie only being available for a limited time - it will stay on the service after its premiere on November 24.
Encanto - Nov. 24 (Theaters)
Disney’s computer-animated film Encanto, featuring songs written by Hamilton’s Lin Manuel Miranda, will be released exclusively in theaters on November 24. The musical depicts the story of the Madrigal family in Colombia’s enchanted mountains, where each family member has been granted powers like healing or strength aside from young Mirabel. When the Madrigal family’s magic comes under attack, Mirabel realizes she may be the only chance to save it.
Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City - Nov. 24 (Theaters)
Welcome to Raccoon City marks the official reboot of the Resident Evil film series, an action survival horror story adapted from video games of the same name. The Resident Evil movie follows a group of survivors in the dying Midwestern town Racoon City, who are now tasked with uncovering the dark secrets of the pharmaceutical Umbrella Company that left their home in ruins. Welcome to Raccoon City will premiere in theaters on November 24.
The Humans - Nov. 24 (Theaters & Showtime)
Another of A24’s late Fall releases is The Humans, an American drama based on the critically acclaimed one-act play of the same name. Starring Beanie Feldstein, Steven Yeun, Richard Jenkins, Amy Schumer, June Squibb, and Jayne Houdyshell, The Humans documents the Blake family on Thanksgiving night dealing with their personal crises and larger issues of aging, illnesses, and the shifting economy. The movie will be released simultaneously in theaters and for streaming on Showtime on November 24.
The Unforgivable - Nov. 24 (Theaters & Netflix)
The Unforgivable, starring veteran movie actress Sandra Bullock, tells the story of a woman trying to rebuild her life after being imprisoned for a violent crime. Unable to be forgiven by society and those in the place she called home, Bullock’s character seeks out her estranged younger sister for redemption. The drama will have a limited theatrical release on November 24 before premiering to stream on Netflix on December 10.
Licorice Pizza - Nov. 26 (Theaters)
The critically-acclaimed movie by Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the most anticipated movies of the late-Fall, early-Winter movie season, which will have audiences battling for tickets to its limited theatrical release on November 26. Licorice Pizza is Paul Thomas Anderson’s first feature since Phantom Thread in 2017, following two teenagers in 1970s L.A. who become wrapped up in the acting scene of the era. While PTA's Licorice Pizza is opening to a small release on November 26, the movie will expand to a wide theatrical debut on December 25.
A Castle For Christmas - Nov. 26 (Netflix)
Among Netflix’s string of annual Christmas movies is A Castle For Christmas, a rom-com starring notable actors Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes. The movie follows bestselling author Sophie Brown (Shields) as she escapes to Scotland after a scandal, finding a castle that was the subject of stories her grandfather told her as a child. Desperately wanting to buy the castle, Sophie faces resistance from the current owner, a Scottish Duke named Myles (Elwes), who is hesitant to sell it to a foreigner. A Castle For Christmas will drop on Netflix on November 26.
‘Twas The Fight Before Christmas - Nov. 26 (Apple TV+)
‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas is the Apple TV+ streaming service's upcoming Christmas-set documentary following a small-town neighborhood in North Idaho. The neighborhood’s livelihood is flipped upside-down when a lawyer obsessed with Christmas decides to bring the biggest Christmas event America has seen to the community. Jeremy’s plans are upended when the homeowners' association informs him his event violates neighborhood rules, leading to a tumultuous battle over the legal rights for his Christmas event. The documentary will premiere to stream on Apple TV+ on November 26.
Benedetta - Dec. 3 (Theaters)
The French and Dutch biopic Benedetta depicts the story of Benedetta Carlini, a 1600s-era young nun who engages in a lesbian relationship with another nun after joining an Italian convent. Benedetta’s VOD streaming on services like Prime Video and limited theatrical release begins in the US on December 3.
Citizen Ashe - Dec. 3 (Theaters)
An apt pairing with King Richard for tennis content is Citizen Ashe, a documentary on legendary, ground-breaking American tennis player Arthur Ashe. The movie tells the story of Ashe’s life and career, featuring interviews and clips of contemporary tennis players like Billie Jean King, Lenny Simpson, and Donald Dell. Citizen Ashe will have a limited theatrical release on December 3.
Diary Of A Wimpy Kid - Dec. 3 (Disney+)
Based on the best-selling children’s books of the same name, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is getting an animated remake movie on Disney+. The animated feature follows middle-schooler Greg Hefley as he fantasizes about future fame while trying to survive pre-teen life with his best friend, Rowley. Diary of a Wimpy Kid's movie drops on Disney+ for subscribers on December 3, whereafter viewers can anticipate the upcoming sequel, Rodrick Rules, coming in 2022.
Silent Night - Dec. 3 (Theaters & AMC+)
Adding to the annual Christmas movies is Silent Night, a British black comedy that centers on an apocalyptic holiday celebration. A deadly fog is approaching that threatens humanity, which intersects with the already existing chaos of families preparing for Christmas feasts. Starring Keira Knightly, Lily-Rose Depp, Matthew Goode, Lucy Punch, and Jojo Rabbit’s Roman Griffin Davis, Silent Night will premiere in theaters and stream on AMC+ on December 3.
Flee - Dec. 3 (Theaters)
Flee is an internationally co-produced animated documentary centered on a man named Amin who, on the night before marrying his husband, shares the never-before-told story of fleeing his home country. The documentary features executive producers Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones) as narrators for the English-language version of Flee. The critically acclaimed film will have a limited theatrical release in the US on December 3.
Try Harder! - Dec. 3 (PBS)
Directed by Debbie Lum, Try Harder! is an upcoming documentary film following five Lowell High School students applying to the college of their dreams. The documentary has received positive reviews from numerous critics upon its early previews and releases at some of the film's worlds festivals, and is set to premiere in selected cinemas in NY/LA/SF on December 3, with a streaming release to follow.
National Champions - Dec. 10 (Theaters)
Featuring an all-star cast of names like J.K. Simmons, Lil Rel Howery, Alexander Ludwig, Kristen Chenoweth, and Anchorman actor David Koechner, National Champions stars Stephan James as LeMarcus James, a star collegiate quarterback who organizes a players’ strike on the night before their biggest game of the season. The American sports drama centers on young athletes advocating for fair compensation, equality, and respect for their commitments and well-being as they put their physical and mental health on the line for their universities. National Champions’ football story, which also features a cameo from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson as himself, will be available to see in theaters in the US on December 10.
West Side Story - Dec. 10 (Theaters)
The long-awaited film remake of West Side Story, directed by Stephen Spielberg, is finally coming to theaters on December 10. Based on the award-winning Broadway musical of the same name (and loosely inspired by Romeo and Juliet), West Side Story documents star-crossed teenage lovers Maria (Shazam 2's Rachel Zegler) and Tony (Ansel Elgort), who happen to be affiliated with rival gangs in 1950s New York City.
Back To The Outback - Dec. 10 (Netflix)
The upcoming Australian animated movie will premiere on Netflix on December 10. Back to the Outback follows a group of Australia’s deadliest creatures who make a daring escape to the Outback from a reptile house where humans insultingly gape at them like monsters. The animated film features characters voiced by Isla Fisher, Keith Urban, Tim Minchin, and Guy Pearce.
Being The Ricardos - Dec. 10 (Theaters & Amazon Prime)
The anticipated biopic drama, Being the Ricardos, will enjoy a limited theatrical release on December 10 prior to its streaming premiere on Prime Video on December 21. The movie stars Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem and Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, respectively, following the two actors’ complex romantic and professional relationship. Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, Being the Ricardos is set during a particularly critical week on the production of their famous sitcom I Love Lucy.
Don’t Look Up - Dec. 10 (Theaters & Netflix)
Don’t Look Up is Netflix’s upcoming sci-fi black comedy that takes a satirical position on two low-level astronomers who go on a media tour in an attempt to inform the human race about a catastrophic comet approaching Earth. The movie features one of the most high-profile casts in modern Hollywood, including many of the world's most famous and recognizable actors like Leonardo Dicaprio, Meryl Streep, Timothée Chalamet, Jonah Hill, Jennifer Lawrence, Rob Morgan, and Chris Evans. Adam McKay's Don’t Look Up will premiere in a limited theatrical release on December 10 before dropping on Netflix to stream on December 24.
The Last Son - Dec. 10 (Theaters)
Starring Sam Worthington and musician Machine Gun Kelly, The Last Son is a Western action movie following a murderous outlaw in the late 1800s (Worthington) who tracks down his offspring in an attempt to prevent a horrible prophecy, finally targeting his son Cal (MGK) as they’re chased by bounty hunters and U.S. officials. The Last Son will premiere in theaters on December 10.
Red Rocket - Dec. 10 (Theaters)
The critically acclaimed, risqué A24 film Red Rocket is set to premiere in theaters on December 10. Red Rocket follows washed-up porn star Mikey Saber returning to his small hometown in Tex, where he is met with resistance as the town doesn’t particularly want him back. The comedy-drama comes from accomplished director Sean Baker, who previously helmed 2017's The Florida Project.
The Real Charlie Chaplin - Dec. 11 (Showtime)
The documentary will premiere on Showtime and be available for streaming on December 11 at 8 p.m. ET. The Real Charlie Chaplin is a portrait of the life and artistry of the legendary actor, being told with the support of novel access to Chaplin’s archives. The documentary will feature never-before-heard recordings, home movies, restored classic films, behind-the-scenes content, and further uncovered material that paint a more comprehensive picture of the famous Charlie Chaplin.
The Hand Of God - Dec. 15 (Netflix)
The Hand of God is Netflix’s upcoming Italian drama set in 1980s Naples. As tragedy strikes his family, aspiring footballer Fabio has his future transformed as he instead sets his career sights on becoming a filmmaker. The movie will be released to stream on Netflix on December 15.
Spider-Man: No Way Home - Dec. 17 (Theaters)
Expected to be the most popular theatrical release of 2021, the MCU's Spider-Man: No Way Home is the third and final installment of Jon Watts’ Spider-Man trilogy. The movie follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) after his superhero identity is revealed to the public. While recruiting Doctor Strange to reverse the world’s knowledge of who he is, Peter accidentally disrupts the spell and breaks open the multiverse. Spider-Man: No Way Home will be released in theaters on December 17, concluding Marvel’s 2021 Phase 4 film premieres.
Nightmare Alley - Dec. 17 (Theaters)
Nightmare Alley marks director Guillermo del Toro’s first return to helming a major film since his Best Picture-winning movie The Shape of Water from 2017. Starring big names like Bradley Cooper, Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, and Willem Dafoe, Nightmare Alley depicts a manipulative and ambitious carny who faces trouble when getting involved with a psychiatrist who is proven to be even more dangerous than himself. Del Toro’s Nightmare Alley will premiere in theaters on December 17.
The Lost Daughter - Dec. 17 (Theaters & Netflix)
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, details the summer vacation of Leda Caruso (Olivia Colman), whose increasing obsession with a woman and her daughter brings back memories of her own early motherhood. The Lost Daughter is set to premiere in a limited release in theaters on December 17 before moving to Netflix on December 31.
The Novice - Dec. 17 (Theaters & VOD)
The Novice, an upcoming American thriller, will be released in select theaters and through streaming VOD services online on December 17. The movie follows college student Alex Dall (Isabelle Fuhrman), whose dark journey is fueled by her obsession with rowing.
The Scary Of Sixty-First - Dec. 17 (Theaters)
The Scary of Sixty-First is an upcoming horror film directed by Succession season 3's Dasha Nekrasova. The film follows two incompatible roommates who discover their Upper East Side apartment used to belong to deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after which the two set out to discover the horrible secrets of their new home. The Scary of Sixty-First will have a limited release in theaters on December 17 before expanding its theatrical and digital VOD availability on December 24.
Swan Song - Dec. 17 (Apple TV+)
Directed by Benjamin Cleary, Swan Song is set in the near future and takes viewers on an emotional journey told by Cameron (Mahershala Ali), a loving husband and father. After Cameron discovers he has a terminal illness, doctors offer him an alternative solution that could alter his family’s fate. Swan Song will premiere on Apple TV+ for streaming on December 17.#
The Tender Bar (Theaters & Amazon Prime)
Directed by Ocean's 11's George Clooney, The Tender Bar follows a young boy searching for a male replacement for his father, who disappeared shortly after he was born. Along the way, the boy bonds with his uncle (Ben Affleck) and customers at a bar. The Tender Bar is set to debut in theaters for a limited release on December 17 before becoming available for streaming on Prime Video on January 7, 2022.
The Matrix Resurrections - Dec. 22 (HBO Max & Theaters)
The fourth film in The Matrix franchise, The Matrix Resurrections, brings back Keanu Reeves as Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity twenty years after the third film. Directed by Lana Wachowski, the film follows Neo living a normal blue-pill-taking life where he nor Trinity recognize one another, but all is changed when Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's Morpheus offers him a red pill and reopens him to the Matrix. The Matrix Resurrections will have a day-and-date theatrical and HBO Max streaming release on December 22.
The King’s Man Dec. 22 (Theaters)
The King’s Man is the third Kingsman franchise movie, serving as a period action spy prequel to 2014’s Kingsman: The Secret Service. The prequel details the early years of the world’s first independent intelligence agency, following one man who must gather associates and stop the world’s most devious tyrants and masterminds from murdering millions. The King’s Man will premiere in theaters on December 22.
Sing 2 - Dec. 22 (Theaters)
Premiering in theaters on December 22, Sing 2 is the sequel to 2016’s animated musical comedy Sing. Sing 2 will show Buster Moon, Rosita, and the rest of the musically-inclined animals as they desperately try to debut a new show at Crystal Tower Theater and convince Clay Calloway (voiced by horror movie veteran Idris Elba) to return to the stage.
Parallel Mothers - Dec. 24 (Theaters)
Parallel Mothers is an upcoming Spanish drama following two women who meet in a hospital room as they each prepare to give birth, with both women having different approaches to their impending motherhood. Parallel Mothers will be released theatrically on December 24.
The Tragedy Of Macbeth - Dec. 25 (Theaters & Apple TV+)
Joel Coen’s upcoming drama The Tragedy of Macbeth is scheduled to hit theaters on December 25 for a limited release before debuting on Apple TV+ for streaming on January 14, 2022. The film is a black-and-white adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Macbeth, with Frances McDormand and Denzel Washington starring in the lead roles.
A Journal For Jordan - Dec. 25 (Theaters)
Directed by award-winning actor Denzel Washington, A Journal for Jordan is a drama inspired by the true story of First Sergeant Charles Monroe King (played by Michael B. Jordan) who keeps a journal about love and advice for his infant son while he’s deployed in Iraq. Back in the States, King’s significant-other Dana reflects on the story of her relationship with the soldier and his devotion to her and their son. A Journal for Jordan will be exclusively released in theaters on December 25.
American Underdog (Theaters)
American Underdog is an upcoming sports drama based on the true story of former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner. Starring Zachary Levi in the lead role, American Underdog documents Warner’s life as he goes from stocking shelves at the supermarket to becoming an award-winning Hall of Fame quarterback. The movie will premiere in theaters on December 25, effectively rounding out the late Fall and Winter 2021 movie release schedule.